Nepal's poultry industry is a testament to the country's rich agricultural heritage and commitment to innovation. Among the diverse breeds of poultry raised in Nepal, indigenous varieties hold a special place, showcasing their adaptability, resilience, and noteworthy performance. In this article, we will delve into the key indigenous breeds, their unique characteristics, and the comparative egg production performance observed among them.

Sakini: The Most Adapted Indigenous Breed Sakini, the most prevalent indigenous breed of poultry in Nepal, accounts for more than half of the indigenous chicken population in the country. What sets Sakini apart is its exceptional adaptability to harsh conditions, making it a reliable choice for Nepalese farmers. One remarkable trait of Sakini is its early maturation, allowing for quicker returns on investment. Sakini chickens also exhibit early egg-laying compared to other breeds, giving them a competitive edge. Additionally, Sakini demonstrates higher hatchability compared to the Naked Neck breed, ensuring a healthy population for future generations.
Ghanti Khuile (Naked Neck): Uniquely Resilient Another indigenous breed found in Nepal is Ghanti Khuile, commonly known as the Naked Neck breed. This breed showcases distinct feather characteristics, with exposed neck skin that aids in heat dissipation and disease resistance. The Naked Neck trait enables Ghanti Khuile chickens to withstand adverse climatic conditions, ensuring their survival and productivity. Similar to Sakini, Ghanti Khuile demonstrates a relatively high egg production rate per year, underscoring its value to the poultry industry in Nepal.
Puwakh Ulte: An Indigenous Breed with Potential While specific information about Puwakh Ulte is limited in the available excerpt, it is worth noting that this indigenous breed holds promise in Nepal's poultry sector. Further research and documentation are needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of Puwakh Ulte's characteristics and contributions.

Comparative Egg Production Performance A comparative study examined various parameters related to egg production performance among these indigenous breeds. Key factors assessed included egg weight, egg production per year, clutch per year, hatchability, and age at first laying. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in egg weight among the indigenous breeds. However, Sakini and Ghanti Khuile demonstrated higher egg production per year compared to Puwakh Ulte, indicating their potential for commercial viability. Sakini, with its better feather coverage, exhibited significantly higher hatchability compared to the Naked Neck breed, attributed to improved heat retention capabilities. Furthermore, Sakini showcased early maturation and early egg-laying, outperforming Ghanti Khuile and Puwakh Ulte in these aspects.

Nepal's indigenous poultry breeds embody the country's cultural and agricultural heritage. Their adaptability to local conditions, resilience in the face of challenges, and noteworthy egg production performance contribute significantly to the country's poultry industry. As Nepal continues to explore sustainable farming practices and innovative approaches, it is crucial to recognize and preserve the valuable traits of these indigenous breeds, ensuring their continued contribution to the nation's agricultural landscape.

लाखे